Tungabhadra River

Recently, three youngsters from Karnataka tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam in Kurnool district. This incident highlights the potential dangers posed by river bodies, especially those with strong currents or unpredictable weather conditions. The Tungabhadra River is a major river in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the principal tributary of the Krishna River.

Key Features of Tungabhadra River:

1. Geographical Significance:

   • Origin: The river is formed at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet. Both the Tunga and Bhadra rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

   • Course: The Tungabhadra flows over a distance of 531 km before merging with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.

     • Length in Karnataka: 382 km.

     • Length in Andhra Pradesh: 91 km.

     • Boundary: The river forms a natural boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for 58 km.

2. Catchment Area:

   • The total catchment area of the river is approximately 69,552 square kilometers up to its confluence with the Krishna River.

3. Tributaries:

   • Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River are the major tributaries of the Tungabhadra.

4. Ecological and Landscape Features:

   • The river's landscape is dominated by massive granite formations in hues of grey, ochre, and pink.

   • The region around the river is largely influenced by the southwest monsoon.

   • Raichur Doab: The land lying between the Tungabhadra and the Krishna rivers is called the Raichur Doab.

5. Cultural and Historical Importance:

   • The Tungabhadra holds religious significance in Hinduism, where it is referred to as Pampa in the Ramayana.

   • The city of Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is located on the banks of the river. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich historical and architectural heritage.

6. Dams and Reservoirs:

   • Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river for irrigation and power generation:

     • Tunga Anicut Dam

     • Bhadra Dam

     • Hemavathy Dam

     • Tungabhadra Dam

7. Importance to Agriculture:

   • The river is crucial for the irrigation of agricultural lands in the region, particularly for rice, cotton, and other crops grown along its banks.

8. Environmental Concerns:

   • As with many rivers, the water quality and ecosystem of the Tungabhadra face pressures from industrial pollution, over-extraction for irrigation, and dams. Conservation efforts are critical to maintaining the river’s ecological health.

Conclusion:

The Tungabhadra River is not only an important water source for southern India but also an integral part of the region's history, culture, and ecology. It is vital for both irrigation and energy production, while also being a cherished site for its religious significance.